RO filters replacement should ideally be done every 12 months. This is to ensure optimal effectiveness of your whole reverse osmosis system. Failure to do this would result to contaminants being still present in your drinking water.
Why should the filters and cartridges be replaced?
First, filters accumulate debris which can result to clogging. This can make the filters ineffective or totally useless. Another reason is that some types of filters (especially carbon-based filters) eventually lose their adsorptive properties as time goes on.
As a result, the filters and the cartridges should be replaced on a regular basis. The time and frequency might vary depending on the usage and “service cycle.” But to be sure and safe, every 12 months is a good time to replace the filters.
So if your filter has been already in use for a year, it’s time to do some maintenance and replacements. This way, you guarantee the optimal effectiveness of your home water treatment system.
Why should professionals do the filter replacement?
Although many filters look the same, the sizes and make can vary a lot from one unit to the next. Perhaps it’s because of the different manufacturers and purposes of the filters. It could also be about that some filters are more updated and more aligned to the latest standards.
Whichever is the case, it’s crucial to pick the right size and type of filter. That’s because even the smallest difference can make the whole system useless. For example, a slightly smaller filter will make the contaminants pass around the filter (instead of through it). As a result, the contaminants will still end up in your glass of water.
In addition, filter cartridges are often dictated by the manufacturer’s specifications. Professional technicians are already familiar with those specifications and instructions. They will first determine the type and make of cartridges and then find the necessary parts.
For instance, here at Clean & Clear Purification Specialists, we service water filtration systems (even if installed by another company). Our team of expert technicians can troubleshoot, repair or replace your home water treatment system. We have state-of-the-art cartridges from Omnipure, KX Industries, Filmtec and Doulton. You can call us today at 1300 723 146 and our friendly staff will answer your enquiries about cartridge replacements.
Which cartridges should be replaced and how often?
Commonly a reverse osmosis system actually has more than one filter and process. For instance, our 5-stage reverse osmosis water filter system has the following filters:
- Sediment pre-filter
- Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) filter
- Ultrafine reverse osmosis membrane
- Prolonged contact time (PCT) filter
- Carbon polishing post filter
Each one has a specified purpose. The sediment pre-filter takes care of the dust and debris (“the big guys”). The GAC filter removes the chlorine. The third filter (RO membrane) is where most contaminants are removed. The PCT filter removes fine dust. Finally, the carbon polishing post filter ensures that the resulting water has a fresh taste.
Every 12 months all the filters except the RO membrane might need to be replaced. Take note that filters don’t allow contaminants to pass through. These objects and substances may eventually accumulate and make the filters far from effective.
Minerals may accumulate and clog the pores of the filters. The activated carbon filter might also eventually lose its ability to adsorb chlorine and other particles. To maintain the effectiveness of a filtration system, it’s ideal to replace the filters regularly.
How to ensure filters are being replaced on time?
Time flies fast and you might forget when’s the last time the cartridges were replaced. That’s why many homeowners just request for a scheduled maintenance of their filtration system. Then, the company responsible for the maintenance will send a reminder a few days before the maintenance. When the day arrives, they will then replace the filters and perform a pressure and flow check.
Even if you already have an existing unit installed by another company, here at Clean & Clear Purification Specialists we can service your system. Our expert technicians have already installed, repaired and maintained different types of water filter systems for homes and commercial facilities.
What if it’s still less than a year and the filters already show problems?
This is a common case especially when the filters are of low quality or were installed improperly. The filter membranes might wear out early or they’ve reacted with the water contaminants. It’s also possible that your water supply or pipes have the problem.
If you suspect any of these issues, it’s time to replace the filter or request for a laboratory analysis of your water:
- Water has unpleasant or unusual odour
- Water has an unusual taste
- Low water pressure coming from the tap where the filter is installed
These things often develop gradually which is why they’re hard to notice. But if you notice even slightly any of those signs, the filter system or the water itself might be the problem.
A professional technician will examine the water and the filter system. He will check the membranes and see if these are properly installed or still working. Maybe the low pressure was caused by the accumulated debris. After ruling out a few possible causes, he might then replace the filters or perhaps recommend a chemical analysis of the water.
How much is the cartridge replacement?
You’ll pay for the filter cartridges and the labour. It’s a quick job so expect minimal fees for the labour costs. Filter cartridges on the other hand are different. As discussed earlier, you might need to replace 5 filters at one time. Each of them will add to the total cost.
Actually this is a small investment compared to the assurance of clean and safe water. After all, you have the RO filters to help protect you and your family. That’s why it’s good to make sure that the filters are working perfectly and at top condition at all times.
How professionals replace RO filters?
First, technicians determine which filter cartridges should be used. They might partially disassemble the system and look at the cartridges already installed. They will also use the manufacturer’s instructions for reference.
Then, the technicians will perform basic sanitation procedures. This is to ensure no contamination will be introduced to the filter system while replacement or installation is still ongoing.
After the installation, the technicians will do a pressure test, flow check and other assessments to ensure that the filter system will work perfectly 24/7. If the technicians you hire are highly trained and experienced, they can finish the whole job in less than an hour.
Other procedures and precautions
The instructions mentioned above were simplified so you can quickly get an idea of the whole process. But actually the whole filter replacement can be quite complicated. For example, here are some of the required steps to a successful filter cartridge replacement:
- Turning off the water supply valve
- Turning on the faucet to release the pressure
- Watching out for any spills during disassembly and replacement
- Removing the housings, O-rings and other necessary parts
There might be additional steps depending on the replacement needed. Also, technicians might also perform other procedures especially when the filtration system is old. They might need to replace all the tubing, storage tanks and fittings.
Why periodic maintenance is important?
How long do RO systems last? They could last 10-15 years but only when they are regularly maintained. This means the cartridges should be replaced annually and the parts are regularly inspected for any problems.
Some parts may wear out (e.g. storage tanks, tubing) through time. This is natural because air and moisture will gradually react with fittings, piping, tank, housing and other parts of the water filtration system. The reaction might lead to leaks or cracks which might introduce bacteria or impurities to your drinking water.
Should you replace your old RO filtration system?
As mentioned earlier, undersink RO systems may last up to 15 years. This is true only if you choose a quality system and it was installed properly in the first place. Otherwise, you might just want to replace the whole system especially if problems are recurring.
For instance, water always smells bad even after 2 or 3 replacement of the cartridges. It could be a sign that the problem goes beyond the membrane itself. Or the storage tanks and housings have already corroded which exposes and compromises the water.
The replacement might also depend on the technician’s recommendation. Cases vary maybe because it’s more cost-effective to replace the system instead of undergoing frequent repairs and maintenance. It’s also possible that the water filter you use is already outdated or too old for it to become 100% effective in removing water contaminants.
RO filters replacement Sydney
Here at Clean & Clear Purification Specialists, we do the following:
- Filter cartridge replacement (whether we installed or not your existing unit)
- Pressure test and flow check to ensure proper function
- System maintenance to prolong your unit’s lifespan
- Troubleshooting to pinpoint the problem
- Disconnecting your system and reinstalling it (in case you move houses)
Our highly qualified and experienced technicians always use quality tools and materials for each task. They already have extensive experience working on various water filter system (2-stage, 3-stage, 5-stage reverse osmosis). They can also replace your old unit if that’s your request.
Contact us today and our friendly staff will answer your enquiries. You can fill out the online form and ask us about our special offers and packages (e.g. free installation). Our expert technicians will then promptly arrive at your site and replace the cartridges.